Does tonsillitis cause fever?

Tonsillitis may cause a raised temperature with sore throat, painful swallowing, red or swollen tonsils, white patches, headache, tiredness or tender neck glands. Viral and bacterial illnesses can both inflame the tonsils, so fever alone does not show which cause is responsible.

Fever has many possible causes outside the tonsils. The pattern of symptoms and an examination help a clinician decide whether you need testing, supportive care or specific treatment.

Rest, drink fluids frequently and wear light clothing if you feel hot. Follow the label or a clinician's advice before using fever or pain medicine, especially for a child, during pregnancy or if you have another medical condition. Avoid sharing drinks and wash your hands to reduce spread of infection.

Arrange medical advice if the fever persists, returns after improving or occurs with worsening throat pain. Take prescribed medicine as directed and do not use leftover antibiotics.

Seek urgent help for breathing difficulty, inability to swallow saliva, severe dehydration, confusion, a seizure, a stiff neck or rapidly increasing swelling in the throat. A baby, older adult or person with a weakened immune system may need earlier advice when fever develops.

Does my examination suggest tonsillitis, and is testing needed? How can I keep fluids going? Which fever medicine is suitable with my other medicines or health conditions?